Chongjin
North Korea · Asia
About Chongjin
Chongjin is the capital of North Korea's North Hamgyong Province. It is the country's third-largest city by population and an important port city on the northeastern coast. Originally a small fishing village, it industrialized significantly under Japanese rule and later under the North Korean government.
The city is a hub of trade and industry, despite having suffered heavily during the famine of the 1990s. Sometimes called the "City of Iron", Chongjin is one of North Korea's major industrial centers for steel and fiber. Chongjin also functions as a regional center of transport, culture, and education, and hosts foreign consulates from both China and Russia, a rarity in North Korea.
According to archaeological findings near the lower areas of the Tumen river, evidence of human living traces back to the Paleolithic period.
According to the Records of the Grand Historian, the region was where the tribe kingdoms of Buyeo, Mohe, Okjeo, Yilou, Yemaek and Sushen existed. The region later was the territory of Goguryeo. After the fall of Goguryeo in 668, the...
Chongjin travel guide
Understand
This is North Korea's third largest city and called the 'city of iron' owing to its status as a major centre of heavy industry.
Getting there
Chongjin is not part of most North Korean accompanied group itineraries but can be visited on customised tours.
By train Chongjin is on the train line between Rason and the capital Pyongyang, as well as the southern city of Wonsan.
By plane 1 Orang Airport (RGO IATA Chongjin Airport) (40 km from the city). Air Koryo flies to the North Korean destinations of Haeju, Pyongyang and Wonsan. There are plans to extend this airport and make it North Korea's second international airport.
Getting around
By tram Chongjin has 11 kilometre of tramline.
By Trolley bus There is a trolleybus network slightly more extensive than the tram-line.
See
North Hamgyong Province Theatre. (updated Mar 2015) Pohanng Square. A 7.5 m bronze statue (updated Mar 2015) Revolutionary History Museum, Pohanng Square. (updated Mar 2015) Inmin Daehakseup Dang (Grand People's Study House). (updated Mar 2015)
Buy
The city is famous in the country for its processed squid.
Drink & nightlife
Local drinking water is known to be untreated. Bottled water is the best choice. Some tourists have been hospitalized in North Korea after drinking the public water.
Sleep
Chonmasan Hotel. Hotel approved for foreigners (updated Mar 2015)
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.